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23
Dental Inspections in schools are organised to advise parents
when there appears to be a need for treatment. Ideally, all
children would be inspected every year, but owing to shortage of
staff in the past this has not yet been achieved. Efforts will
continue to be made to attain this. A system of recalls for
regular inspection within the year is being developed to ensure
that, for children accepting treatment in the school service,
the same attention is available as that offered by an increasing
number of general dental practitioners. Early diagnosis and
treatment is essential if dental caries is to be controlled. The
aim of all dental treatment is to conserve as far as possible
all teeth, except where overcrowding contra-indicates this. In
the past, the shortage of dental officers has prevented the best
possible treatment being offered to all children, but now it
seems that more dental surgeons are available for local authority
dental work in Croydon, as in other parts of London and the
South-East. Included in the treatment offered are the services of
a consultant orthodontist who, in addition to treating children,
is available to give advice to dental officers in complex cases.
A comprehensive scheme of general anaesthetic sessions with a
consultant anaesthetist from the Regional Hospital Board, provides
a specialist service. This is also available for general
dental practitioners to refer appropriate cases. Treatment is
also provided for those handicapped patients eligible under the
Mental Health Scheme.
At the end of 1965 the staff of dental officers consisted of
five full-time and two part-time. There were seven full-time
dental surgery assistants and five part-time. There were vacancies
for one full-time and two part-time dental officers and one
dental surgery assistant. It is hoped to fill these posts early
in the new year. There is also a vacancy for a dental hygienist
to be appointed. A suitable officer will be able to make a great
contribution to the programme of Dental Health Education. There
is an ever increasing need for development of this aspect of the
School Dental Service, and a planned and sustained programme
will benefit the community generally, as correct habits of oral
hygiene inculcated in childhood and sustained into adult life
cannot but improve the standard of general health.
Retirements have included that of Mr. P.G. Oliver, Principal
School Dental Officer since 1938. During his service the general
dental condition has improved considerably. The pattern of
treatment has changed also. In 1938 for every 100 teeth filled
145 were extracted. It was not until 1958 that the number of
teeth filled exceeded those extracted.